Some of the questions were answered outright, but many were vague, stating they would be in contact with state officials tomorrow or later this week.

At this time, Ash Inc. does not have an engineering firm. The reps informed the group they are waiting for the zoning permit to go through.

“We’ve talked to them,” stated Howell. “We are not interested in signing contracts for all those things and getting all that started if the zoning is, you know, they don’t want it.”

Marla MacBeth, planning and zoning director for Burke County replied, “This zoning commission is a bit concerned about making a commitment, when you, as a developer, has not made a commitment. If you had some substantial proof, more than just preliminary or verbal, I think you’d find this zoning council is very open to the idea, if it’s done properly.”

A majority of the group felt if Ash Inc. hasn’t invested any funds into the project, the county shouldn’t approve the permit.

Amber Fiesel, states attorney, addressed the two men, “We have to protect ourselves. If we zone it industrial, you can use it for any commercial activity. The county doesn’t have any ability to control safety, health.”

Sandy Raines, representing the City of Columbus, stated that she felt it prudent they attend a city council meeting and address their local fire department as they weren’t even aware of the project, and Fay Township should also be contacted.

Commissioner Deb Kuryn spoke, “We don’t have a plan, it’s just an idea. It’s a $200 million project. If you aren’t willing to invest $50,000 [engineering company fee], you can’t ask us to invest our county.”

Mrs. Raines explained, “Nobody is against it. Folks just need more preliminary information. This is big. Everyone in our community wants to grow.”

Janet Cron, zoning board member, made a motion to table the issue due to lack of information to the Oct. 20th meeting. Motion was carried.

109 STEAKHOUSEBY LYANN OLSON

Toby is thrilled to help out his parents, “We have really been busy. I’m learning how to wait tables and am enjoying meeting the people.”
The Hysjuliens emphasized that they are here to stay and want to follow in Chrests’ footsteps.

“We will try our best to offer a clean, comfy environment with good food,” said Jason. “A place where people want to come to.”

The Steakhouse is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sundays for lunch, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Jason expressed his appreciation of Laurie and Maureen Chrest, “We would like to thank them, not only for their years of great service, but their help during the transition. We will strive to give our customers the same great service they provided.”

Jason added, “I also want to thank my brother, Doug for putting the bug in my ear and his help in starting this endeavor.”

The customers also have Doug to thank. Betty and Rick Johnson said the food is great and they are so happy to have good food back in Lignite.

The Hysjuliens are planning a grand opening but with community events (Powers Lake Days, Harvest Hoedown, Burke Central Reunion) it will held at a later date.

POWERS LAKE DAYSBY LYANN OLSON

Get your 3 on 3 basketball tournament team together and register by contacting Aaron, 464-5889 or 566-4621. The $50 registration fee will also go to the Powers Lake School playground.

From 9:00-10:00 a.m., carnival games for kids will be at Windmill Park.
The annual Civic Club Flower Show runs from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Senior Citizen Center with music and lunch.

The Farmers Market will be on Main Street during the morning hours.

Cardiac Ready events on Main Street run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Free blood pressure checks are 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Community Room.
Sign up for free CPR classes.

One of the highlights of the morning will be the kiddie parade at 11:00 a.m. Register and line up at 10:45 a.m. at Lake Park.

A great way to cool down will be water balloon games at Windmill Park from 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Immediately following will be the furniture races at 4:00 p.m. Register at the Country Store, $10 registration fee. Must be made of furniture & have working brakes.Line up at 3:30 p.m. in the Elementary School parking lot to have brakes checked.

After a full day of activities, join fellow community members at Windmill Park from 5:00-7:00 p.m. for a barbecue and visiting.

Main Street is the place to be from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. for a street dance.

All teens, grades 7-12, are invited to play ‘Glow in the Dark’ Capture the Flag, starting at 9:00 p.m.

Be sure to spend time in Powers Lake Friday and Saturday, July 31 and Aug. 1. It’s a great way to visit family and friends, make memories, and show your community spirit.

GOLDEN SWEET

On July 16, 2015, our son, Jackson, will click over one more notch on the odometer and celebrate his “Sweet Golden Birthday…Golden Sweet Birthday…” or something to that effect.

Jackson has been a bundle of nerves for the past few weeks in anticipation of this momentously grand, golden, and sweet event (please read this sentence with thick and heavy sarcasm for proper conveyance of reality).

I didn’t think it possible, but the boy may be surpassing me in “laidbackness.” Which is troubling since my father proclaimed when I was teenager, “If you were any more laid back you would soil yourself” or something along those lines…perhaps with a bit more colorful language thrown in for effect.

Let the record reflect this is a blatant exaggeration on behalf of my father as I have not soiled myself since college…or thereabouts…and it had nearly nothing to do with being laid back.

I’m not entirely sure where it began, but it appears the outward expression of this laid back gene is intensifying with each generation. This does not bode well for my potential great grandchildren (several…several years from now) who apparently will spend their lives shrugging and grunting indiscriminately from their hammock homes.

I have to admit there is some allure to that life, but it doesn’t pay well and Depends are not cheap…so I’ve heard.

Do any of you remember your “golden” birthday? How about “Sweet 16”?
Were they as shiny, sweet, and life changing as you had hoped or was it just another birthday?

Just another day celebrating the completion of one more year free of suffering an unfortunate hotdog eating incident or zigging when you should have zagged…while eating a hotdog. Hotdogs are dangerous.

My wife asked Jackson what he wanted to do for his special day and got the same response we get for most questions asked of him, “don’t care,” “don’t know” or when the formation of syllables and other grammatical structure is just too much to deal with, “mmaahhmmah.”

Sometimes he may get dramatic and throw in a discrete shoulder shrug to accompany his response.
The shoulder shrug lets us know that he REALLY, “doesn’t care,” “doesn’t know,” or “mmaahhmmah.”

As of this writing I’m not sure what his big day will entail. Historically, the kids get to pick a place to go out and eat for their birthday. So the day will most likely find us dining at the Japanese Steak House where my wife and I will have the pleasure of translating the boy’s menu related grunts and shrugs to a server who has a rudimentary grasp of the language our son is sort of communicating in.

Teenagers are interesting creatures who seem to exist in an alternate universe from their parents and any other adult who may have the audacity to try and help them.

Jackson is a good kid. A bright young man who is polite, friendly, and fully in possession of the ability to verbally communicate intelligently and completely when he so chooses.